Connecting My Dots Blog

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Information & Resources ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), more recently known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The disorder often goes untreated, negatively affecting the lives of millions. Many children and adults with ADHD often procrastinate and are fidgety, unorganized and have poor verbal memory. This behavioral disorder is treatable, but it cannot be cured.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is believed by some to be over diagnosed in children and under diagnosed in adults. Others dismiss the disorder as a medical condition all together because there isn’t a “strict” standard for diagnosing the condition. Critics argue that the symptoms of ADHD can be caused by other, often more troubling disorders, and that treating ADHD may prevent appropriate treatment for a curable disorder such as depression.
Either way, treatments for ADHD have put a positive spin on millions of lives and the awareness of ADHD may play a huge role in eventually “Connecting the Dots”.

The diagnosis and ultimate availability of proper medication have allowed me to virtually create a new life.

Here’s a link to an ADHD checklist

Myths about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

1. ADHD affects only a few
2. ADHD affects only children
3. A poor diet can cause ADHD
4. Individuals with ADHD are no different from individuals without ADHD
5. ADHD can be prevented
6. Individuals with ADHD are unable to learn in a regular classroom setting
7. ADHD is Preventable
8. Medicine can cure ADHD
9. Parents and teachers can’t do much to control a child’s ADHD
10. Everyone outgrows ADHD
11. ADHD is the result of a lack of discipline from parents
12. Individuals with ADHD are not smart
13. Everyone with ADHD is hyper

Facts about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

1. ADHD is treatable
2. ADHD is a biological disorder
3. Criteria used to diagnose ADHD is subjective
4. ADHD affects individuals without brain defects
5. 30-50% of children with ADHD will have it as an adult
6. A poor diet does not cause ADHD
7. More men than women (about 4:1) are diagnosed with ADHD
8. ADHD is common throughout the world
9. Children with ADHD often have one close relative with ADHD

Symptoms of ADHD

Individuals with attention deficit disorder are often: fidgety, forgetful, unorganized, talkative, loud, late, impulsive, addictive, bored, and anxious. Many are unable to control anger, have a low self-esteem, mood swings, procrastinate, suffer from depression and have relationship problems.

Resources & Related Links:

What is ADHD? – www.webmd.com

Attention Deficit Disorder Association – www.add.org

Single Parents and ADHD – www.add.about.com